Passive Income Ideas For Information Security Managers [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in earning passive income as a information security manager in 2024?

We put together a few of the best passive income ideas you can start as a information security manager today. These will help you increase your quality of life by bringing in more income for yourself or your business.

For each income idea, we’ll show you real-world examples, revenue expectations for each idea, plus some things you might need to know before you start your passive income journey as a information security manager.

Here's the full list:

1. Make passive income with an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)

Considering your background as an information security manager, starting an eCommerce reselling business could be a straightforward way to earn extra income. You could purchase goods or services for resale, allowing you to avoid the complexities and costs associated with production. Since you are already skilled in managing online systems securely, you could leverage this expertise to ensure your eCommerce transactions are secure, building trust with your customers.

A significant advantage is that you don’t need to create a website right away; you could begin by utilizing social media platforms to market and sell your products. As your business grows, you could then invest in a website, providing a more polished presence to attract more customers. This approach allows you to keep initial costs low while still tapping into the potential of an online business.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

My Side Hustle Makes $1.2M/Year Selling Car Accessories

Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.

Read by 7,354 founders

2. Make passive income with an online course sales business ($85K/month)

As an Information Security Manager, you could easily supplement your income by starting an online course sales business. Given your expertise in cybersecurity, you have valuable knowledge that many individuals and organizations are eager to learn. Topics like network security, ethical hacking, and data protection are in high demand, making your insights particularly valuable.

Creating an online course allows you to share your skills and experiences with a broad audience. By choosing a target audience, putting together course materials, and selecting an online platform, you open up the possibility of earning steady, passive income. The e-learning market is booming, expected to be worth over $645 billion in the coming years, so there’s significant potential for making extra money while helping others grow their cybersecurity knowledge.

How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

I Make $120K/Year With My Print On Demand T-Shirt Side Hustle

A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.

Read by 12,000 founders

3. Make passive income with an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

As an Information Security Manager, you could use your expertise to launch an AI-based business solution that addresses security challenges. Leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance security protocols, you could develop systems that detect and mitigate cyber threats in real-time, automate compliance checks, and provide advanced threat analytics. This kind of technology is invaluable for businesses aiming to protect sensitive information efficiently.

AI tools don't just benefit security operations; they can also help companies optimize other aspects like customer service and data analysis, making their overall operations more streamlined. Given the growing demand for AI solutions, you could create a profitable side business by offering these advanced services to companies looking to improve their security measures while also boosting overall business performance. Many platform providers offer user-friendly tools, so you won’t need extensive technical knowledge to get started.

With your background in information security, you have a unique advantage in understanding the critical areas where AI can make a significant impact. By focusing on high-impact areas and implementing a solid strategy, you could tap into this expanding market and create a sustainable source of passive income.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

How We Launched A $120K/Month Audiobook Publishing Course

Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.

Read by 21,952 founders

4. Make passive income with a mobile app ($70.3K/month)

As an information security manager, developing a mobile app could be an excellent way to supplement your income or create a new revenue stream. With your background, you have a unique perspective on user privacy and data security, which are critical components of any successful mobile app. You could leverage this expertise to create a secure app that addresses specific needs, whether it's a productivity tool, a unique game, or an app that helps people manage their personal cybersecurity.

To get started, you need a clear vision of what your app will do and who it will serve. If you're not familiar with coding, you could hire a skilled developer to bring your idea to life. Effective marketing will be key, as it will help attract users and drive downloads, ultimately leading to potential income. The mobile app market is vast and growing, offering tremendous opportunities for those who can provide innovative, secure, and valuable solutions.

How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

We Started A $6M/Year Bachelorette Party App

BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.

Read by 10,973 founders

5. Make passive income with a lead generation tool ($108K/month)

As an information security manager, you could use your technical skills and understanding of online systems to develop a lead generation tool. This tool would help businesses find potential customers by gathering their contact information from websites, social media, and other digital sources. Automating this process saves companies time, allowing them to concentrate on turning those leads into actual customers.

You could design the tool to ensure data privacy and security, which is often a major concern for businesses when collecting customer information. This would make your product particularly appealing to companies that prioritize safeguarding their customers' data. Given the high demand for efficient lead generation solutions, this could be a profitable side venture for you, leveraging your existing expertise in information security.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Created A $5M/Year LinkedIn Marketing Automation Tool

Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.

Read by 8,895 founders

6. Make passive income with a garage organizer business

As an Information Security Manager, you could leverage your organizational skills and keen attention to detail by starting a garage organizer business. This venture can provide a valuable service by helping homeowners and businesses declutter and create functional spaces in their garages. You'll draw on your ability to plan and execute strategies, tailoring each project to meet your clients' specific needs while optimizing their available space.

You could use your strong communication skills to understand clients' preferences and deliver customized organizing solutions, like installing shelving and cabinets. Your experience managing multiple tasks at once would be crucial, allowing you to handle several projects simultaneously while maintaining high customer satisfaction. With effective marketing and networking efforts, you could steadily grow your client base and establish a thriving side business.

How much you can make: $10,500/month

How We Started A $10K/Month Design Studio

Curate Labs is a creative practice focused around ethical and sustainable design, with an annual publication that champions good business and a travel platform that advocates conscious travel, founded in 2016 by co-founders Abb-d Choudhury and Sara, bootstrapped, now turning into one business with 3 departments and aiming for 50-100% increase in revenue.

Read by 9,113 founders

7. Make passive income with a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

As an information security manager, starting a niche blog focused on cybersecurity could be a great way to supplement your income and share your expertise. You could write articles on best practices for securing networks, commentary on the latest security breaches, and how-to guides for using various security tools. This positions you as an authority in your field and helps you engage with a community that shares your professional interests.

To monetize your blog, consider including affiliate links to security software or training programs, creating a YouTube channel for tutorials, and collaborating with brands that produce cybersecurity products. You could also speak at events, either virtually or in-person, to enhance your visibility and drive more traffic to your blog. Over time, your niche blog could become a valuable passive income stream that complements your main career.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.

Read by 77,278 founders

8. Make passive income with an email marketing tool ($235K/month)

As an information security manager, you could leverage your expertise to develop an email marketing tool that prioritizes security and privacy. This creates a unique selling point in a crowded market, attracting businesses that are concerned about protecting their data and maintaining compliance. By blending your knowledge of cybersecurity with email marketing, you could provide a solution that ensures users' emails and data remain secure.

Moreover, starting an email marketing tool could open up additional revenue streams. You could charge subscription fees or offer tiered pricing models for advanced features. Since the email marketing industry is projected to grow substantially, your investment might pay off as more businesses look for secure email marketing solutions.

How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.

Read by 14,045 founders

9. Make passive income with a social media automation business ($148K/month)

As an information security manager, starting a social media automation business could be a great side hustle due to your technical skills and strategic thinking. You could develop or use existing tools to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, helping small businesses and influencers save time and improve their online presence.

Given the high demand for consistent social media engagement, you could find a niche market where your technical expertise ensures secure and reliable automation. This business not only lets you leverage your existing skills but also explores the high-growth intersection of social media and technology, paving the way for a sustainable passive income stream.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,194 founders

10. Make passive income with a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

As an Information Security Manager, you could leverage your industry knowledge to create a YouTube channel focused on cybersecurity topics. You might produce videos on best practices for data protection, how to secure networks, or even provide commentary on the latest cybersecurity trends and breaches. These types of videos can attract a wide audience, from fellow professionals to individuals simply wanting to learn how to protect their information better.

By consistently uploading informative and engaging content, you could build a loyal subscriber base. This opens up revenue opportunities through ad placements, sponsorship deals, and potentially selling your own courses or consulting services. While it requires dedication and effort to produce quality videos and interact with your audience, the potential financial rewards and professional recognition can make it a worthwhile pursuit.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.

Read by 12,296 founders

11. Make passive income with a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be a great way for an information security manager to supplement your income and share your expertise with a wider audience. You could discuss various topics related to information security, such as recent cyber threats, best practices for protecting data, or interviews with industry experts. By creating engaging and informative content, you could build a loyal audience that values your insights.

To get started, choose a specific niche within information security that you are passionate about and that has an interested audience. You don't need a big budget; just a good microphone and headphones, and a free or affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes. As your audience grows, you could attract sponsors or advertisers, providing a steady stream of passive income. Additionally, promoting your podcast through social media and online communities could help you reach even more people and grow your following.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.

Read by 19,167 founders

12. Make passive income with a niche website ($107K/month)

Starting a niche website could be an excellent way for an information security manager to supplement their income and explore entrepreneurial possibilities. By focusing on your existing knowledge and passion for information security, you could create a specialized website that offers targeted content, advice, and resources for a dedicated audience. This venture allows you to use your expertise to write informative articles, share best practices, or review security tools, positioning yourself as a trusted voice in the industry.

You could monetize your niche website through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or by selling digital products like e-books or online courses related to information security. While it requires time and effort initially—such as researching, creating content, and improving SEO—the potential revenue and passive income could become significant once your site attracts regular traffic. If you're willing to dive deep and commit to content creation, a niche website could be a rewarding project that leverages your professional skills in a new and profitable way.

How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Leveraged My LinkedIn Network To Create A $1.8M/Year Procurement Conference

DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.

Read by 3,594 founders

13. Make passive income with a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)

As an information security manager, you could leverage your analytical skills and careful attention to detail to start a stock investing business. By diving into the world of stock markets, you could supplement your income by buying and selling stocks for profit. Your ability to analyze data and identify trends in security threats could transfer well into analyzing financial markets and making informed investment decisions.

This venture offers a chance to turn your interest in finance into a profitable side hustle. With various educational resources and trading platforms available, you could develop the necessary knowledge to navigate the stock market effectively. Remember, it's a long-term commitment that involves continuous learning and risk management, but with dedication, it could become a rewarding supplement to your income.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

I Launched A $54K/Year Newsletter That Finds Trending Stocks

Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.

Read by 23,676 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.